The highlight of my D of E journey was definitely when I received my Gold Award, at a ceremony at St James’ Palace, many years ago now. The Duke of Edinburgh came round to talk to each group, and asked us if any of us had been abroad for our Gold Expedition. Having been fortunate enough to spend an amazing fortnight in the Pyrenees I was able to shyly put up my hand in response. He chatted to me about my experiences, and was so genuinely interested and natural that it was like talking with a friend. It was only afterward that it hit me ‘Oh my gosh, I just had a conversation with Prince Philip!’.
I will always be grateful for my immensely rewarding time on the scheme, working through Bronze and Silver to Gold, and am so excited that both my teenage daughters are now being given the same opportunity at their school.